Make Friends, Make Sales

Make Friends, Make Sales

Relationship selling is nothing new. Dale Carnegie has been teaching it since the 1920’s. One of the greatest books of all time is his book, How to Win Friends and Influence People. Even though it was published in 1937, its lesson is still just as powerful today. If you haven’t read the book, go get it and read it. The basic message of the book is “Take an interest in people and they’ll take an interest in you.” {Please, still read the book, there’s mulch more in it than that to help you!} You see, success is more about people than anything else. And those who know the most people tend to have the most sales.

Make friends, make sales; it really can be as simple as that. Relationship selling is when you stress trying to make friends and help people and earn the respect of individuals to the point they want to either do business with you or refer you to someone who could use your goods or services.

The most successful people in life usually are those who cultivate great relationships with others. Successful people are constantly looking for other successful people to meet and share and learn with. I can’t tell you how many wildly successful people I have met just by asking to talk to them. Or by sending them a note. Or call them on the phone. It all starts with one person and builds from there. Successful people are not focused on getting a prospect’s business right away (money); they are focused on learning about the other person. They are focused on helping the other person. They are focused on making a friend. They are focused on building trust. Why? Because they are confident in their own products and services; they know they are good and wise professionals know that one day, once trust is earned and respect gained, a job or purchase will come their way as a result. So, start today to build relationships with people who can make a difference in your life. And don’t be focused on how much money you can make; be focused on how you can help someone. I have found money will find you naturally if you work hard on the right things. Things like customer satisfaction, your team’s morale, and making friends all come to mind.